Systems and methods for controlling access to a secured area

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlling access to a secured area are disclosed. A moveable barrier at an entry point to the secured area may include one or more light arrays affixed to a front surface of the barrier to provide information to persons proximate to the bather using one or more illumination patterns. A programmable logic controller in communication with the one or more light arrays may select a pattern of illumination for the one or more light arrays. A rear light array affixed to a rear surface of the barrier may be configured by the programmable logic controller to duplicate illumination patterns selected for the one or more light arrays affixed to the front surface of the barrier.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to provisional U.S. Application No. 62/650,862, filed Mar. 30, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Controlling access to a secured area can be achieved using a variety of equipment configurations. At points to a secured area where vehicles travel, the typical configuration includes one or more moveable or non-moveable barriers. In order to alert drivers, or even pedestrians, that they are approaching an entry point to a secured area, barriers are often designed to be highly visible using color patterns and, in some configurations, one more lights mounted to or nearby the barrier.

Many existing access control configurations lack a proper design to convey information to nearby drivers or pedestrians. Additionally, some barrier types are difficult to see, especially at night, which can potentially cause an innocent driver or pedestrian to collide unintentionally with a barrier. The risk is even higher for barriers that are not sufficiently designed to be visible. These and other shortcomings are addressed by the systems and methods described herein.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive. Provided are systems and methods for controlling access to a secured area.

In an aspect, an example barrier can be used to control access at an entry point to a secured area. The barrier can comprise several support members positioned in parallel and affixed at the bottom ends to a surface foundation at the entry point. The support members may be capable of pivoting at the point where each is affixed to the surface foundation. Further, the support members may each be connected at the top to a beam positioned perpendicular to the entry point and parallel to the surface foundation. The beam can have one or more groups of independently operable light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) attached to the front and/or rear of the beam that can be used to convey information to persons proximate to the entry point. In some examples, the LEDs are situated in an array that can be formed using two channel members, each of which having three sides. The channel members can be joined together to create a longitudinal space where wiring or other conductive material that interconnects the LEDs can be situated. The information may be conveyed using a programmable logic controller connected to one or more of the LEDs that causes the LEDs to be illuminated in a specific pattern.

In another aspect, an example method can comprise causing a moveable barrier to block or to permit access to an entry point at a secured area. The barrier may block the entry point by moving upward from a surface foundation so as to obstruct movement of vehicles or persons, or it may permit access by moving downward toward the surface foundation so as not to obstruct the vehicles or persons. The barrier may have one or more light arrays comprising a plurality of LEDs mounted to the barrier, which are used to provide information to persons proximate to the entry point by illuminating in one or more patterns. A group of sensors can be used to detect the persons proximate to the entry point. In some examples, the sensors can be motion detection sensors. In other examples, they can be weight sensors. In further examples, they can be loop induction sensors. After detecting a person or object near the entry point, a programmable logic controller connected to the LEDs, or a user at a human-machine interface connected to the programmable logic controller, can select one or more illumination patters and cause the LEDs to produce the one or more illumination patterns.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary barrier;

FIG. 1B illustrates exemplary lighting configurations for the barrier;

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary lighting array;

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary lighting array;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method; and

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary access control system;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary user device;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc., of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods. The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods and systems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methods and systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for controlling access to a secured area. In the physical security industry, a wide-range of barrier types can be used to obstruct persons and/or vehicles from entering a secured area. An example barrier may be constructed using several support members positioned in parallel and connected by their bottom ends to a surface foundation located at an entry point to the secured area. To provide movement, the support members can be connected at a pivot point in such a way as to allow movement in a plane perpendicular to the entry point. A top section of the barrier, which can obstruct entry to the secured area or can permit access thereto, may be a beam that is connected to the top of each of the support members and positioned perpendicular to the entry point and parallel to the surface foundation. The barrier may also include one or more light arrays to provide information to persons proximate to the barrier. This can be especially useful if the barrier is difficult to see at night. The light arrays can be attached to a front surface and/or a rear surface of the beam, and they may be separated into groups that are each independently operable.

Each light array may be created using two channel members made of, for example, aluminum, each of which having three longitudinal sides and joined together to create a longitudinal space to house wiring, or other conductive material, that interconnects one or more pluralities of light-emitting diodes within each light array. Further, using one or more illumination patterns, the light arrays can be used to provide information to persons nearby the entry point. The patterns may be selected by a programmable logic controller in communication with the light arrays or by a user at a human-machine interface (e.g., a device producing audio and/or visual feedback and capable of receiving user inputs) that is in communication with the programmable logic controller. A light array mounted to a rear surface of the beam may be used in addition to a light array mounted to a front surface of the beam. The rear light array may be configured by the programmable logic controller, or by the user, to duplicate the illumination pattern of the light array mounted to the front surface. Moreover, the programmable logic controller, or the user, may cause the barrier to obstruct entry to the secured area in response to one or more sensors, which may be located nearby or at the entry point, detecting a person or an object proximate to the entry point. Example sensors comprise motion sensors, weight sensors, loop induction sensors, and the like. Additionally, the illumination pattern that is chosen may correspond to a set of predetermined conditions relating to, for example, the object or person detected by the sensors.

FIG. 1A depicts an example barrier 100, which may be constructed using a plurality of support members 102 that are positioned in parallel to one another. Each support member 102 may have a top distal end 102A and a bottom distal end 102B. The bottom distal end 102B of each support member 102 may be connected at pivot points 106 to a surface foundation 104 in order to allow movement of each support member 102 along a plane parallel to the surface foundation 104. In some embodiments, in addition to the plurality of support members 102, the barrier 100 may also include a plurality of secondary support members 103. Each secondary support member 103 may be connected at its top distal end to a respective top distal end 102A of a support member 102 such that the connection functions as a top pivot point. Additionally, each secondary support member 103 may be connected at its bottom distal end to a bottom pivot point underneath the surface foundation 104. The top distal ends 102A of the plurality of support members 102 may connect perpendicularly to a beam 108 that spans a length of the surface foundation 104. It is to be understood that the construction and configuration of the barrier 100 described above is only one of many possible design configurations. For example, the barrier 100 may be an arm-type barrier, a door, a slide gate, a bi-fold gate, a swing gate, a wedge, or the like.

The barrier 100 may also include a plurality of light-emitting diodes 110 mounted to the beam 100 in one or more groups and connected to a programmable logic controller that is configured to cause the plurality of light-emitting diodes 110 to illuminate individually, collectively, or in one or more pre-configured patterns. The programmable logic controller may also be configured to cause the support members 102 to move along a plane into a position such that the beam 100 obstructs access to an entry point of a secured area. Additionally, the programmable logic controller may be further configured to cause the support members 102 to move along a plane into a position such that the beam 100 does not obstruct access to the entry point.

Turning now to FIG. 1B, in some examples the plurality of light-emitting diodes 110 comprises a first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 and a second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116. The first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 as well as the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 can each comprise multiple configurations. For example, in a “complex configuration,” the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 may comprise two sections of equal length that each comprise four segments of independently operable light-emitting diodes. Each section may have a length of approximately half the length of the beam 100, and the two sections may be situated on the beam 100 such that they span nearly, or all of, the length of the beam 100. As another example, in an “intermediate configuration,” the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 may comprise two sections of equal length that each comprise two segments of independently operable light-emitting diodes. Each section may have a length of approximately half the length of the beam 100, and the two sections may be situated on the beam 100 such that they span nearly, or all of, the length of the beam 100. As yet another example, in a “simple configuration,” the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 may comprise a single section that comprises two segments of independently operable light-emitting diodes. The single section may have a length that spans nearly, or all of, the length of the beam 100. The second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 can comprise multiple configurations as well.

The first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 and the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 may be connected to the programmable logic controller such that as few as one diode in one segment or as many as all diodes in all segments, or a combination, to be illuminated. The first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 may be mounted to a front surface 114 of the beam 100. The second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 may be mounted to a rear surface 118 of the beam 100. As noted above, in some embodiments the barrier 100 may be constructed with various configurations. For example, if the barrier 100 is an arm-type barrier, the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 may be mounted to a front surface of the arm and the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 may be mounted to a rear surface of the arm. As another example, if the barrier 100 is a wedge-type barrier, the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 may be mounted to a front surface of the wedge and the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 may be mounted to a rear surface of the wedge. In still other examples, if the barrier 100 is a door or gate-type barrier, such as a slide gate, a bi-fold gate, a swing gate, or the like, the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 may be mounted to a front surface of the door or gate and the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 may be mounted to a rear surface of the door or gate. Further, in all configurations of the barrier 100, the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 can be configured (e.g., by a programmable logic controller) to illuminate a mirror image pattern of a pattern being illuminated by the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 mounted to the front surface 114. As with the abovementioned descriptions of the various configurations of the barrier 100, the abovementioned configurations of the plurality of light-emitting diodes 110 are for illustrative purposes only—additional configurations of the plurality of light-emitting diodes 110 are contemplated.

FIG. 2A depicts an example configuration of the plurality of light-emitting diodes 110 that are connected to the beam 100 to form an array 202A. The array 202A can be formed by a first channel member 204 and a second channel member 206. The first channel member 204 can include a first longitudinal side 204A and a second longitudinal side 204B, situated in parallel, and a longitudinal rear 204C joining the first longitudinal side 204A and the second longitudinal side 204B and creating a first longitudinal space 205A. The second channel member 206 can be formed by a top longitudinal side 206A and a lower longitudinal side 206B, situated in parallel, in addition to a longitudinal front 206C joining the top longitudinal side 206A and the bottom longitudinal side 206B, which when joined create a second longitudinal space 205B. The second channel member 206 is dimensionally smaller than the first channel member 204 such that it may be placed inside the first longitudinal space 205A. An enclosed longitudinal space 205C can be formed in which wires or other conductive material that interconnects the plurality of light-emitting diodes 110 can be housed. The enclosed longitudinal space 205C may be formed by placing the second channel member 206 inside the first longitudinal space 205A such that the longitudinal front 206C is facing an opposite direction of the longitudinal rear 204C. The first channel member 204 of array 202A may include one or more mounting holes 210 with which array 202A can be mounted to the front surface 114 of the beam 100 with the longitudinal rear 204C facing the front surface 114 and the longitudinal front 206C facing outward. As discussed above, the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 may be mounted to the front surface 114 of the beam 100. This can be accomplished, for example, by affixing the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 to the longitudinal front 206C, thereby allowing the pattern being illuminated by the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 to be visible from vantage points adjacent to the front surface 114 of the beam 100

FIG. 2B depicts an example configuration of the plurality of light-emitting diodes 110 to form a rear array 202B, which can be mounted to the rear surface 118 of the beam 100. The rear array 202B can be formed by a shorter first channel member 204-1 and a shorter second channel member 206-1. The shorter first channel member 204-1 can include a shorter first longitudinal side 204A-1 and a shorter second longitudinal side 204B-1, situated in parallel, and a shorter longitudinal rear 204C-1 joining the short first longitudinal side 204A-1 and the shorter second longitudinal side 204B-1 and creating a smaller first longitudinal space 205A-1. The shorter second channel member 206-1 can include a shorter top longitudinal side 206A-1 and a shorter lower longitudinal side 206B-1, situated in parallel, in addition to a shorter longitudinal front 206C-1 joining the shorter top longitudinal side 206A-1 and the shorter bottom longitudinal side 206B-1, which when joined create a smaller second longitudinal space 205B-1. The shorter second channel member 206-1 is dimensionally smaller than the shorter first channel member 204-1 such that it may be placed inside the smaller first longitudinal space 205A-1. An enclosed smaller longitudinal space 205C-1 can be formed in which wires or other conductive material that interconnects the plurality of light-emitting diodes 110 can be housed. The smaller enclosed longitudinal space 205C-1 may be formed by placing the shorter second channel member 206-1 inside the smaller first longitudinal space 205A-1 such that the shorter longitudinal front 206C-1 is facing an opposite direction of the smaller longitudinal rear 204C-1. The shorter first channel member 204-1 of rear array 202B may include one or more mounting holes 210 with which rear array 202B can be mounted to the rear surface 118 of the beam 100 with the smaller longitudinal rear 204C-1 facing the front surface 114 and the shorter longitudinal front 206C-1 facing outward. As discussed above, the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 may be mounted to the rear surface 118 of the beam 100. This can be accomplished, for example, by affixing the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 to the longitudinal front 206C, thereby allowing the pattern being illuminated by the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 to be visible from vantage points adjacent to the rear surface 118 of the beam 100.

Turning now to FIG. 3, example method 300 can be used to control access to a secured area. The method may begin at step 302, where a barrier is positioned either to block access to an entry point to a secured area or to permit access to the entry point. In some examples, the barrier used may be example barrier 100 and the configuration of the barrier 100 relative to the secured area and the entry point can be similar to the configuration depicted in FIG. 4. In such examples, barrier 100 may be positioned at an entry point 402, which is on a roadway 414. Blocking access to the entry point 402 may comprise a movement of support members 102 of barrier 100 along a plane into a position such that a beam 108 of barrier 100 obstructs access to the entry point 402. Similarly, permitting access to the entry point 402 may comprise a movement of the support members 102 along the plane into a position such that the beam 108 does not obstruct access to the entry point 402.

In some examples, barrier 100 may comprise one or more light arrays mounted to the front and/or rear of the beam 108. The light arrays can comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes, such as, for example, those depicted in FIG. 1B. A first light array may comprise a first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 that can be mounted to a front surface 114 of the beam 100, and a second light array may comprise a second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 that can be mounted to a rear surface 118 of the beam 100. Both light arrays can be configured to illuminate in one or more patterns. The configuration may be achieved by a programmable logic controller 412 or by a user in communication with the programmable logic controller 412 via a human-machine interface. In addition to allowing the barrier 100 to be visible in low-light conditions, the patterns may be used to provide information to drivers and/or pedestrians proximate to the entry point 402.

Example patterns can include flashing intermittently in unison, flashing intermittently independently, flashing intermittently in groups, flashing one-by one in a left to right and/or up-and-down direction, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the aforementioned patterns are intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. The pattern(s) depicted can vary based on, among other things, specific conditions existing at or near the barrier 100 (e.g., time of day, weather conditions, number of detected objects, etc.), and it is to be understood that additional patterns can be used and are specifically contemplated herein. The second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116 may be configured by the programmable logic controller 412 to illuminate a mirror image pattern of a pattern being illuminated by the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 mounted to the front surface 114.

At step 302 of method 300, a plurality of sensors, such as for example, sensors 404, positioned adjacent to the barrier 100 can detect a presence of one or more persons 410 or objects 406 proximate to the entry point 402. The plurality of sensors 404 may be motion detection sensors, weight sensors, loop induction sensors, or the like. At step 306, the programmable logic controller, such as, for example, programmable logic controller 412, can be configured to select one or more illumination patterns in response to detecting a presence of one or more persons 410 or objects 406, and at step 308 the programmable logic controller 412 can cause the light arrays to illuminate using the selected one or more patterns. As an example, if one or more objects 406 are detected and then determined to be vehicles that are authorized to access the secured area, the programmable logic controller 412 can cause the barrier 100 to be lowered such that the vehicles can pass over the barrier 100. Alternatively, if the vehicles are not authorized, the programmable logic controller 412 can cause the barrier to block access to the entry point 402 and the pattern selected for illuminating the light arrays may be flashing a red pattern, signifying that entrance is not permitted. In another example, the sensors 404 may detect a person 410 proximate to the entry point. If the person 410 is determined to be an authorized entrant, then the pattern selected for illuminating the light arrays may comprise flashing each individual diode from the left to the right, so as to signal that the person 410 may pass through the entry point 402 by walking around the barrier 100 on the right side.

In a further example, an object 406 may be a vehicle that is traversing the roadway 414 in a direction away from the secured area. As the vehicle approaches the entry point 402, the sensors 404 may detect the vehicle and its direction of travel. In response, the programmable logic controller 412 may cause the barrier 100 to be lowered in order to permit the vehicle to leave the secured area. Further, as the barrier 100 is being lowered, the programmable logic controller 412 may cause the light arrays to illuminate a pattern of flashing yellow in order to inform the vehicle's driver that the barrier 100 is being lowered and to inform one or more persons 410 on the opposite side that the barrier 100 is lowering and a vehicle will be exiting the secured area. Though this example only discusses red and yellow color patterns, it is to be understood that the example is not intended to be limiting. Additional colors may be used and are contemplated for all methods and systems described herein. Further, the aforementioned patterns are intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. The pattern(s) depicted can vary based on, among other things, specific conditions existing at or near the barrier 100 (e.g., time of day, weather conditions, number of detected objects, etc.), and it is to be understood that additional patterns can be used and are specifically contemplated herein.

As one skilled in the art can appreciate, the programmable logic controller 412 can select patterns for illumination that are stored in a computer's memory. Additionally, or in the alternative, a user at a human-machine interface may configure the programmable logic controller 412 to select one or more patterns based on what is detected by the sensors 404. In some examples, configuration of the programmable logic controller 412 may be achieved using a system, such as system 500 depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates various aspects of an exemplary configuration and control system through which the present methods and systems can operate. As discussed above, the present disclosure is relevant to systems and methods for controlling access to a secured area and providing information to persons proximate to the secured area using, in some examples, a plurality of detection devices (e.g., sensors 404) and a moveable barrier (e.g., barrier 100), which can have one or more groups of independently operable light-emitting diodes (e.g., the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 and the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116) affixed thereto. The detection devices, the independently operable light-emitting diodes, and the barrier can be controlled by a programmable logic controller (e.g., programmable logic controller 412). One or more network devices can be configured to communicate information between the plurality of detection devices (e.g., sensors 404), the moveable barrier (e.g., barrier 100), the independently operable light-emitting diodes, and/or the programmable logic controller (e.g., programmable logic controller 412). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present methods and systems may be used in various types of networks and systems that employ both digital and analog equipment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that provided herein is a functional description and that the respective functions can be performed by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

As discussed above, the detection devices, the independently operable light-emitting diodes, and the barrier may be controlled solely by a programmable logic controller (e.g., programmable logic controller 412). Alternatively, or in addition, the programmable logic controller (e.g., programmable logic controller 412) may be in communication with a computing device 504. In such embodiments, the network and system can comprise a user device 502 (e.g., a human-machine interface) in communication with the computing device 504 and the programmable logic controller (e.g., programmable logic controller 412). The computing device 504 can be disposed locally or remotely relative to the user device 502. As an example, the user device 502 and the computing device 504 can be in communication via a private and/or public network 505 such as the Internet or a local area network. Other forms of communications can be used such as wired and wireless telecommunication channels, for example. User device 502 may be a human-machine interface such that a user can configure the programmable logic controller (e.g., programmable logic controller 412) through the computing device 504, which can act as an intermediary for communications sent to and received from the user device 502 and the programmable logic controller. Optionally, the user device 502 may be integrated with the computing device 504 as a single unit (e.g., a computer, a tablet, a mobile device with a touchscreen, and the like).

The user device 502 can be an electronic device such as a computer, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, or other device capable of communicating with the computing device 504. As an example, the user device 502 can comprise a communication element 506 for providing an interface to a user to interact with the user device 502 and/or the computing device 504. The communication element 506 can be any interface for presenting and/or receiving information to/from the user, such as user feedback. An example interface may be communication interface such as a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer®, Mozilla Firefox®, Google Chrome®, Safari®, or the like). Other software, hardware, and/or interfaces can be used to provide communication between the user and one or more of the user device 502 and the computing device 504. As an example, the communication element 506 can request or query various files from a local source and/or a remote source. As a further example, the communication element 506 can transmit data to a local or remote device such as the computing device 504.

The user device 502 can be associated with a user identifier or device identifier 508. As an example, the device identifier 508 can be any identifier, token, character, string, or the like, for differentiating one user or user device (e.g., user device 502) from another user or user device. The device identifier 508 can identify a user or user device as belonging to a particular class of users or user devices. As a further example, the device identifier 508 can comprise information relating to the user device such as a manufacturer, a model or type of device, a service provider associated with the user device 502, a state of the user device 502, a locator, and/or a label or classifier. Other information can be represented by the device identifier 508.

The device identifier 508 can comprise an address element 510 and a service element 512. The address element 510 can comprise or provide an internet protocol address, a network address, a media access control (MAC) address, an Internet address, or the like. As an example, the address element 510 can be relied upon to establish a communication session between the user device 502 and the computing device 504 or other devices and/or networks. As a further example, the address element 510 can be used as an identifier or locator of the user device 502. The address element 510 can be persistent for a particular network and can be used to identify or retrieve data from the service element 512, or vice versa. As a further example, one or more of the address element 510 and the service element 512 can be stored remotely from the user device 502 and retrieved by one or more devices such as the user device 502 and the computing device 504. Other information can be represented by the service element 512.

The computing device 504 can be a server for communicating with the user device 502. As an example, the computing device 504 can communicate with the user device 502 for providing data and/or services. As an example, the computing device 504 can provide services such as network (e.g., Internet) connectivity, network printing, media management (e.g., media server), content services, streaming services, broadband services, or other network-related services. The computing device 504 can allow the user device 502 to interact with remote resources such as data, devices, and files. The computing device 504 can manage the communication between the user device 502 and a database 514 for sending and receiving data therebetween. As an example, the database 514 can store a plurality of files (e.g., patterns for illuminating one or more groups of independently operable light-emitting diodes, such as the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 112 and the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes 116), user identifiers or records, or other information. As a further example, the user device 502 can request and/or retrieve a file from the database 514. The database 514 can store information relating to the user device 502 such as the address element 510 and/or the service element 512. As an example, the computing device 504 can obtain the device identifier 508 from the user device 502 and retrieve information from the database 514 such as the address element 510 and/or the service elements 512. As a further example, the computing device 504 can obtain the address element 510 from the user device 502 and can retrieve the service element 512 from the database 514, or vice versa. Any information can be stored in and retrieved from the database 514. The database 514 can be disposed remotely from the computing device 504 and accessed via direct or indirect connection. The database 514 can be integrated with the computing system 504 or some other device or system.

One or more network devices 516 can be in communication with a network such as network 505. As an example, one or more of the network devices 516 can facilitate the connection of a device, such as user device 502, to the network 505. As a further example, one or more of the network devices 516 can be configured as a wireless access point (WAP). One or more network devices 516 can be configured to allow one or more wireless devices to connect to a wired and/or wireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any desired method or standard.

The network devices 516 can be configured as a local area network (LAN). As an example, one or more network devices 516 can comprise a dual band wireless access point. As an example, the network devices 516 can be configured with a first service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a user network or private network) to function as a local network for a particular user or users. As a further example, the network devices 516 can be configured with a second service set identifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public/community network or a hidden network) to function as a secondary network or redundant network for connected communication devices.

One or more network devices 516 can comprise an identifier 518. As an example, one or more identifiers can be or relate to an Internet Protocol (IP) Address IPV4/IPV6 or a media access control address (MAC address) or the like. As a further example, one or more identifiers 518 can be a unique identifier for facilitating communications on the physical network segment. Each of the network devices 516 can comprise a distinct identifier 518. As an example, the identifiers 518 can be associated with a physical location of the network devices 516.

In an aspect, the methods and systems can be implemented on a computer 601 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and described below. By way of example, the user device 502 of FIG. 5 (e.g., the human-machine interface in communication with the programmable logic controller, such as programmable logic controller 412) can be a computer as illustrated in FIG. 6. Similarly, the methods and systems disclosed can utilize one or more computers to perform one or more functions in one or more locations. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operating environment for performing the disclosed methods. This exemplary operating environment is only an example of an operating environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of operating environment architecture. Neither should the operating environment be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment.

The present methods and systems can be operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with the systems and methods comprise, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, laptop devices, and multiprocessor systems. Additional examples comprise set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that comprise any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be performed by software components. The disclosed systems and methods can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The disclosed methods can also be practiced in grid-based and distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented via a general-purpose computing device in the form of a computer 601. The components of the computer 601 can comprise, but are not limited to, one or more processors 603, a system memory 612, and a system bus 613 that couples various system components including the one or more processors 603 to the system memory 612. The system can utilize parallel computing.

The system bus 613 represents one or more of several possible types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, such architectures can comprise an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI), a PCI-Express bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA), Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like. The bus 613, and all buses specified in this description can also be implemented over a wired or wireless network connection and each of the subsystems, including the one or more processors 603, a mass storage device 604, an operating system 605, access control software 606, access control data 607, a network adapter 608, the system memory 612, an Input/Output Interface 610, a display adapter 609, a display device 611, and a human machine interface 602, can be contained within one or more remote computing devices 614 a,b,c at physically separate locations, connected through buses of this form, in effect implementing a fully distributed system.

The computer 601 typically comprises a variety of computer readable media. Exemplary readable media can be any available media that is accessible by the computer 601 and comprises, for example and not meant to be limiting, both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. The system memory 612 comprises computer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). The system memory 612 typically contains data such as the access control data 607 and/or program modules such as the operating system 605 and the access control software 606 that are immediately accessible to and/or are presently operated on by the one or more processors 603.

In another aspect, the computer 601 can also comprise other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example, FIG. 6 illustrates the mass storage device 604 which can provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computer 601. For example and not meant to be limiting, the mass storage device 604 can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like.

Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on the mass storage device 604, including by way of example, the operating system 605 and the access control software 606. Each of the operating system 605 and the access control software 606 (or some combination thereof) can comprise elements of the programming and the access control software 606. The access control data 607 can also be stored on the mass storage device 604. The access control data 607 can be stored in any of one or more databases known in the art. Examples of such databases comprise, DB2®, Microsoft® Access, Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle®, mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. The databases can be centralized or distributed across multiple systems.

In another aspect, the user can enter commands and information into the computer 601 via an input device (not shown). Examples of such input devices comprise, but are not limited to, a keyboard, pointing device (e.g., a “mouse”), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactile input devices such as gloves, and other body coverings, and the like These and other input devices can be connected to the one or more processors 603 via the human machine interface 602 that is coupled to the system bus 613, but can be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewire port), a serial port, or a universal serial bus (USB).

In yet another aspect, the display device 611 can also be connected to the system bus 613 via an interface, such as the display adapter 609. It is contemplated that the computer 601 can have more than one display adapter 609 and the computer 601 can have more than one display device 611. For example, the display device 611 can be a monitor, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or a projector. In addition to the display device 611, other output peripheral devices can comprise components such as speakers (not shown) and a printer (not shown) which can be connected to the computer 601 via the Input/Output Interface 610. Any step and/or result of the methods can be output in any form to an output device. Such output can be any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to, textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like. The display device 611 and computer 601 can be part of one device, or separate devices.

The computer 601 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computing devices 614 a,b,c. By way of example, a remote computing device can be a personal computer, portable computer, smartphone, a server, a router, a network computer, a peer device or other common network node, and so on. Logical connections between the computer 601 and a remote computing device 614 a,b,c can be made via a network 615, such as a local area network (LAN) and/or a general wide area network (WAN). Such network connections can be through the network adapter 608. The network adapter 608 can be implemented in both wired and wireless environments. Such networking environments are conventional and commonplace in dwellings, offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

For purposes of illustration, application programs and other executable program components such as the operating system 605 are illustrated herein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programs and components reside at various times in different storage components of the computing device 601, and are executed by the one or more processors 603 of the computer. An implementation of the access control software 606 can be stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Any of the disclosed methods can be performed by computer readable instructions embodied on computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not meant to be limiting, computer readable media can comprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.” “Computer storage media” comprise volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any methods or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Exemplary computer storage media comprises, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computer.

The methods and systems can employ Artificial Intelligence techniques such as machine learning and iterative learning. Examples of such techniques include, but are not limited to, expert systems, case based reasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based AI, neural networks, fuzzy systems, evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms), swarm intelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and hybrid intelligent systems (e.g. Expert inference rules generated through a neural network or production rules from statistical learning).

While the methods and systems have been described in connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and/or the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a plurality of support members positioned in parallel, each support member having a top distal end and a bottom distal end; a surface foundation comprising a pivot point allowing movement of each of the plurality of support members along a plane parallel to the surface foundation; a beam positioned perpendicular to an entry point, wherein the top distal end of each of the plurality of support members is joined to the beam; a plurality of light-emitting diodes affixed to the beam; and a programmable logic controller in communication with the plurality of light-emitting diodes, wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to cause the plurality of light-emitting diodes to illuminate individually, collectively, or in one or more pre-configured patterns.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes comprises a first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes and a second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first group of independently operable light-emitting diodes is mounted to a front surface of the beam.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes is mounted to a rear surface of the beam.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second group of independently operable light-emitting diodes is configured to illuminate a mirror image pattern of each of the one or more pre-configured patterns.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes are situated in an array comprising: a first channel member comprising: a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side situated in parallel; and a longitudinal rear joining the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side, thereby creating a first longitudinal space; and a second channel member comprising: a top longitudinal side and a lower longitudinal side situated in parallel; and a longitudinal front joining the top longitudinal side and the lower longitudinal side, thereby creating a second longitudinal space, wherein the second channel member is situated inside the first longitudinal space with the longitudinal front facing an opposite direction relative to the longitudinal rear, thereby creating an enclosed longitudinal space.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a plurality of independently operable light-emitting diodes are affixed to the longitudinal front of the second channel member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable logic controller is further configured to cause each of the plurality of support members to move along the plane parallel to the surface foundation to a position such that the beam does not obstruct access to the entry point.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable logic controller is further configured to cause each of the plurality of support members to move along the plane to a position such that the beam obstructs access to the entry point.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the programmable logic controller can be operated remotely by a user.
 11. A method, comprising: causing, by a programmable logic controller, a barrier to move into a position that obstructs access to an entry point, wherein the barrier comprises one or more light arrays mounted to the barrier, and wherein each of the one or more light arrays comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes; determining, based on data received from one or more sensors proximate to the barrier, that an object is approaching the entry point; selecting, by the programmable logic controller, at least one illumination pattern of a plurality of illumination patterns; and causing, by the programmable logic controller, the plurality of programmable light-emitting diodes to illuminate according to the selected at least one illumination pattern.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the barrier comprises: a plurality of support members, each comprising a top distal end and a bottom distal end; a surface foundation comprising a pivot point allowing movement of each of the plurality of support members along a plane parallel to the surface foundation, wherein the bottom distal end of each of the plurality of support members is joined to the barrier, wherein the barrier is positioned perpendicular to the entry point.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein causing the barrier to move into the position that obstructs access to the entry point comprises causing each of the plurality of support members to move along the plane parallel to the surface foundation into a position such that the beam obstructs access to the entry point.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising causing the barrier to permit access to the entry point by causing each of the plurality of support members to move along the plane parallel to the surface foundation into a position such that the beam does not obstruct access to the entry point.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein a portion of the plurality of light emitting diodes are affixed to a rear surface of the barrier, and wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to cause the portion of the plurality of light emitting diodes to illuminate a mirror image of the selected at least one illumination pattern.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of sensors are motion detection sensors.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of sensors are weight sensors.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of sensors are loop induction sensors.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one illumination pattern is selected by a user.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one illumination is selected by the programmable logic controller based on a determination that the object approaching the entry point is a vehicle. 